Friday at Varanese

After meeting the warm and gregarious Caroline, from this forum, and her interesting and engaging boyfriend Gordon at L & N Wine Bar for drinks, the four of us headed to dinner at Veranese. We had an assortment of appetizers including an interesting dish of grape leaves stuffed with lamb, rice, and cranberries. The cranberries were just that right touch and did not overwhelm the dish. Donna and I had the same main - prime rib over a nice risotto. The food was great, the service by Nathan professional and friendly, and Caroline and Gordon were great company. I need to thank both the forum and Caroline for allowing the social connection to matriculate. It was wonderful dining with friends for the first time in Louisville. Thank you HotBytes!

Varanese rarely, if ever, disappoints.

[Robin Garr]

Varanese rarely, if ever, disappoints.

Love the look and style of the place, love the service, love John's cooking. I do recall wishing that the wine list pricing was a little less "aggressive," but I'm working from memory here and can't cite specifics.

Varanese is amazing, but I definitely agree with Robin about the wine list. In spite of that, I was amazed by the number of people drinking Beringer white zin!

[Robin Garr]

Varanese is amazing, but I definitely agree with Robin about the wine list. In spite of that, I was amazed by the number of people drinking Beringer white zin!

Paul, I think we lucked out and got in there on a half-price bottle night, which put an entirely different perspective on things. Forget what we had with the turducken special, but it was a very decent California Pinot Noir, as I recall.

I had a really nice California Syrah at Varanese back before the holidays that was in the $60-75 range. I thought it was a fair price although not a bargain. The food on the other hand was a bargain given the quality. In the end I think Varanese represents a pretty good value all the way around. If I went on a 1/2 price bottle night I'd be even happier.

Phil: Posted the reply below on Saturday on your original Frankfort Ave post. We also really enjoyed our food and the company! I hope I can convince Gordy to attend the HATS OFFLINE. I'm sure the four of us can come up with an interesting grouping of hats! LOL

Just wanted to thank Phil and Donna for a great, fun evening! Gordy and I met up with the Gissens at L&N for drinks. We instantly hit it off and talk never slowed the entire evening. Since they had caught the trolley and were parked by Varanese, we offered them a ride to the restaurant where we were graciously allowed to intrude on their reservation. It was, actually, our first time at Varanese and we enjoyed it immensely. Everything was just wonderful, from my salmon with grits and asparagus to Gordy's pork chop and Phil and Donna's steaks. Great food, great conversation and, hopefully, new friends! Phil, next time, drinks are on us!